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2016 Hyundai Tucson Preview

Here’s our first official look at the all-new Hyundai Tucson before its debut at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show on March 3. The original Tucson bowed in 2005 and was followed by the current one in 2010. This third-generation Tucson will arrive in showrooms in the second half of the year, as a 2016 model, and for the first time will use the Tucson name in all markets where it’s sold. Currently, the compact crossover is badged an ix35 in some markets.

Penned under the guidance of Hyundai design chief Peter Schreyer, the 2016 Tucson features a bold new look that’s characterized by flowing surfaces, muscular proportions, sharp lines and the Korean automaker’s hexagonal grille. The same can’t be said for the interior, however, whose design is somewhat sombre and reminiscent of Hyundai models of the past.

The 2016 Tucson is based on an all-new platform which features generous interior dimensions. For example, with the seats up, there’s still a reasonable 18.1 cubic feet of storage. There are also a number of tech features such as a satellite navigation system that’s three times faster than before, heated and ventilated front seats, a powered tailgate, and a parking assistant. The electronic driver aids also include an automatic braking system, lane keep assist and blind spot and rear cross traffic warning systems.

Specifications for the U.S. market will be announced closer to the sales launch later this year, but expect local versions of the 2016 Tucson to feature a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder and a naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter mill. We should see the U.S.-spec model make its debut at April's 2015 New York Auto Show.